Novak Djokovic is like a 'God' for staying at the top for so long, says Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz has hailed World No. 1 Novak Djokovic for his extraordinary level of performances despite being on the wrong side of 30.

The 35-year-old won a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month to end Alcaraz's 20-week reign at No. 1. Despite an injury-plagued build-up, Djokovic dropped only one set in seven matches as he triumphed for a record-extending tenth time at Melbourne Park.

With the win, the Super Serb returned to the summit of the singles rankings and extended his winning start to the year to 12-0.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz missed the first Grand Slam of the year due to a freak injury in training. The Spanish teenager is returning to action on Wednesday (February 15) at the Argentina Open after four months.

Ahead of his campaign in Buenos Aires, Alcaraz reserved high praise for Djokovic for his sustained brilliance for more than a decade.

“He has no weaknesses. Every shot, it’s amazing,” Alcaraz told ATP. “His physical condition is amazing; his mental condition is amazing. He’s like a God, and I admire him over the years staying at the same level, staying at the top. It’s really, really difficult, and I admire that.”

Nevertheless, the reigning US Open chapion reiterated his desire to return to No. 1.

“It has been a long time (I spent) at No. 1. Now it’s a goal for me to recover No. 1 and try to do my best in these tournaments to be back on that number. I’m looking for that,” Alcaraz said.

The top seed at the Argentina Open opens his campaign against Serbia's Laslo Djere.

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"I'm so excited to play again" - Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, who trails Novak Djokovic by 840 points in the ATP Live Rankings, is looking forward to playing in the Argentinian capital.

The Spaniard, though, faces a tough first test against Djere, who won an ATP 500 title on clay in Rio de Janeiro four years ago.

Alcaraz stated that is simply happy to be competing again after nearly four months.

“I’m really excited to play here in Buenos Aires. I had four months with no competition, with no matches, just training and recovering my injury,” the Spaniard said. “I’m so excited to play again, to be in the competition again. I’m looking forward to doing it.”

The 19-year-old has never played Djere before but is expected to beat the Serbian player and reach the last eight.